MISS HAITI 2014

Haitian businesswoman, Carolyn Desert 25, laughs after being crowned by Haiti's Tourism Minister Stephanie Balmir Villedrouin, left, as Miss Haiti during the 2104 Miss Haiti beauty pageant at the Karibe hotel in Petionville, Haiti, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014. Desert, a freelance writer and the owner of a Mexican restaurant in the upscale Petionville district of Port-au-Prince who is known for supporting artists and helping impoverished children, was a favorite from the beginning. Her wide smile earned her a "Most Photogenic" award, and her eloquent response during the competition's question-and-answer segment made the crowd of more than 400 people erupt in applause. Government officials, diplomats, musicians and even the son of President Michel Martelly attended the pageant, which cost $120 per person. The host was Haitian-born model and Hollywood actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, who told reporters earlier that he hoped the competition would help people view Haiti in a more positive way.  (Photos: AP)